China's marine economy has seen remarkable growth, surpassing 11 trillion yuan, or approximately 1.6 trillion U.S. dollars, in 2025. This figure represents 7.9 percent of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP). Key sectors such as shipbuilding and offshore engineering, offshore wind power, and marine fisheries have all positioned China as a global leader in these areas.

Minister of Natural Resources Guan Zhi'ou emphasized that China has made substantial advancements in marine development, utilization, and conservation. During a press briefing held on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, he noted that the ocean has become a strategic arena for promoting high-quality development.

In addition to its impressive gross ocean product, China has seen innovation in its marine sector accelerate significantly. Marine pharmaceuticals developed in China now comprise 28 percent of the categories marketed globally. Emerging industries such as marine energy and seawater desalination continue to gain traction.

China has also implemented strict controls on new land reclamation activities from the sea, with 35 percent of its natural coastlines being safeguarded. The mangrove cover has reached 475,000 mu, which is approximately 31,700 hectares, demonstrating steady growth in coastal ecosystem preservation.

To protect vital marine ecosystems, China has established the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve in Hainan and enhanced coral reef conservation efforts. These initiatives have also contributed to the emergence of numerous 'blue bays' and picturesque coastlines, drawing increased tourism.

China's advances in scientific and technological capabilities in marine exploration are noteworthy. The Laoshan Laboratory in Qingdao has begun full operations, and the world's largest ocean drilling vessel, Meng Xiang, is now operational, alongside the 100,000-ton Shenhai-1 offshore oil and gas platform. Additionally, China's manned submersibles, Jiaolong and Fendouzhe, have successfully completed coordinated missions and conducted the nation's first crewed deep-sea dive in the Arctic.

As an early signatory to the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, China has actively engaged in blue economy cooperation agreements with over 50 countries and international organizations. Moreover, it has conducted various polar and ocean scientific expeditions in collaboration with global partners.

Looking forward to the 15th Five-Year Plan period from 2026 to 2030, Guan announced that China aims to further accelerate the high-quality development of its marine economy. The focus will be on innovation-driven growth through significant national science and technology programs to enhance deep-sea observation, exploration, and development capabilities.

To optimize spatial planning and cultivate new growth centers, China will improve coordination between land and sea. Plans include the development of emerging sectors such as deep-sea equipment and marine biomedicine, along with a greater emphasis on protecting coastal ecosystems.

Finally, Minister Guan expressed China's commitment to expanding international cooperation in marine cultural exchanges and collaborative initiatives, emphasizing the goal of promoting a shared future for the oceans.